Saudi's first female director wins praise

Riyadh, September 8, 2012

Rotana, a leading producer and distributor of Arabic music and films, lauded Saudi film director Haifaa Al Mansour for her recent film “Wadjda” which won rave reviews at the recent Venice Film Festival.

Wadjda, screen written and directed by Al Mansour, tells the story of a 10-year-old girl living in Riyadh who beats the odds to create a heartening tale of a girl's journey to own a bicycle.

The coming-of-age film has been called “revolutionary” by the global film industry, and is the first full-length feature film to be filmed entirely in the Kingdom with an all-Saudi cast. It was jointly produced by Rotana along with Razor Film, and High Look Group.

With this success, Al Mansour has become the first Saudi lady to direct a feature film that has been showcased at the Venice festival.

Rotana chairman Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud congratulated Al Mansour for the feat along with
the cast members. “We shall continue to support Saudi women’s empowerment in all fields,” he added.

Thanking him for all the help, Al Mansour expressed her delight at being the first Saudi female director.

'I feel very proud to hold this position and regard it as a platform for further competitive opportunities for Saudi women in the film industry,' said an elated Al Mansour. Rotana CEO Fahad Alsukait was also present at the meeting.